By Blessings Chatha
There is an uprising in the United Transformation Movement (UTM) as some members have resorted to openly challenging the suitability of Dalitso Kabambe as the right successor to the late Saulos Chilima.
Writing on his Facebook page, one ardent supporter of the party, Elijah Mike Banda, said Vice President Michael Usi was a better replacement for the founding leader than Kabambe.
Banda said Usi was Chilima’s chosen successor since he was the one who picked the odya zake alibe mlandu as running mate in the 2019 presidential race.
“As of now, I fail to accept the now so-called UTM president and his wife as our first lady,” wrote Banda. “They are not as firebrand to help the UTM evolve. The UTM has been dealt a heavy blow. We may rise no more.”
Banda is not alone. Several UTM loyalists have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that Kabambe lacks the charisma and political stamina to keep the party afloat in the post Chilima era.
Others claim his appointment was a rushed and ill-advised decision that failed to consider the sentiments of the grassroots membership.
Speaking to The Nation, political analyst Ernest Gondwe said the growing dissent within UTM is indicative of deeper structural and ideological problems that the party has failed to address since the death of its founding leader.
“It is not surprising that there is resistance against Kabambe,” said Gondwe.
“Chilima was a unique leader with a strong personal brand and whoever comes after him must carry that same momentum. Unfortunately, Kabambe does not command that kind of following within UTM, which is why we are seeing these internal divisions,” he said.
Another analyst, George Phiri, concurred, saying that the controversy surrounding Kabambe’s rise reflects unresolved succession issues that could potentially weaken the party’s chances in future elections.
“The party should have taken its time to build consensus rather than impose a leader whose acceptability is clearly in question. UTM is now at a crossroads and the choices they make in the coming months will determine whether they survive as a formidable political force,” said Phiri.
The divisions have reportedly extended to the party’s leadership, with some key figures privately expressing reservations about Kabambe’s ability to rally supporters ahead of the 2025 elections.
Usi, who has long been regarded as a trusted lieutenant of Chilima, has remained silent on the matter, further fuelling speculation about potential cracks within the party hierarchy.
However, UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala downplayed the internal wrangles, insisting that the party remains united despite the ongoing debates about leadership.
“UTM is a democratic party. People are free to express their views and that is what you are seeing. However, let me assure you that we remain strong and focused on the future,” said Njawala.
While the party’s leadership continues to project an image of stability, the ongoing discontent among supporters suggests that all is not well in UTM and the party risks losing its footing in Malawi’s political landscape.